MY FAVORITE SUSPENSE STORIES

Almost twenty stories primarily by authors well known to the over-thirties and more likely to be favorites among them. These are not the chilling-from-beginning-to-end variety--in fact, several depend on a final twist for flavor--and many are so dated in technique that the average TV viewer will unravel the mystery before official revelation (e.g., the secret ingredient in Vincent McConnor's ""Souffle Surprise""). Even the youngster who will read anything will find Hardy's prose (in ""The Three Strangers"") a minor barrier (""the ravenous appetites engendered by the exercise causing immense havoc in the buttery""); for most, and certainly for enthusiasts, these have a limited appeal and slow pace.